What is Cortisol (Random) Test?
A Cortisol test measures the amount of cortisol in your body. Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. This test helps determine if you have too much or too little of this hormone. Cortisol, also referred to as the stress hormone, affects almost every organ and helps to manage stress, reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar and metabolism, and control blood pressure. It is produced by the adrenal glands, which are controlled by a hormone from the pituitary gland in your brain. Abnormal cortisol levels could signal issues with the adrenal or pituitary glands or a tumour affecting cortisol production.
The Cortisol (Random) test consists of a single parameter (Cortisol, Random). This test helps to evaluate the cortisol level in your blood sample at the time of the test. It mainly helps in the diagnosis of two medical conditions – Addison disease and Cushing syndrome – and may also be done if your doctor suspects you have an adrenal crisis with symptoms like confusion, sudden abdominal pain, very low blood pressure, tiredness or weakness.
Low cortisol levels may be caused by Addison disease, the symptoms of which include extreme fatigue, low blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, abdominal pain, vomiting or nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and depression.
High cortisol levels may be caused by Cushing syndrome, the symptoms of which include high blood pressure, obesity, thin skin, high blood sugar, a hump between the shoulders at the base of the neck, muscle weakness, acne, and osteoporosis.
Your doctor may also order urine cortisol or salivary cortisol levels along with this test. You may also require an MRI or CT scan if your doctor suspects a tumour or abnormal growth in the body.
A Cortisol (Random) test measures your cortisol levels at any time of the day without considering the usual daily fluctuations. This test can be useful for several reasons:
To evaluate adrenal function : If you experience symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, or mood changes, a random cortisol test can help determine if your adrenal glands are functioning properly.
Early diagnosis : It helps diagnose conditions related to cortisol imbalances, such as Cushing's syndrome (high cortisol levels) or Addison's disease (low cortisol levels).
Evaluation of stress response : Since cortisol is known as the "stress hormone," this test can provide insights into how your body manages stress
Monitoring Treatment : If you're being treated for a condition that affects cortisol levels, this test can help evaluate how well the treatment is working.
The Cortisol test is helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as adrenal disorders (e.g., Cushing’s syndrome and Addison’s disease).
2. Is home sample collection available for Cortisol Tests?
3. What is a Cortisol Test used for?
4. Is fasting required for a Cortisol Test?
5. What are the normal levels for Cortisol Tests?
To book the Cortisol test at home, follow these steps:
Search for the Test: Look for “Cortisol test near me” in your browser and select the Rapid Health listing.
Review and Verify: Select the test, check any prerequisites, enter your location, and confirm your booking by choosing a convenient time for the sample collection.
Sample Collection: A certified eMedic will collect the sample from your home at the scheduled time.
Lab Processing: Your sample will be sent to our ICMR-approved and NABL-accredited laboratory for analysis.
Receive Results: Results for your Cortisol test at home will be sent via email or WhatsApp within 9 hours and your results can also be viewed through our app.
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